Callaghan Innovation loan losses mount as MBIE takes tougher line

Tom Harris2026-07-16T17:12:00.000Z

If the Government can't pick winners, maybe they should stop trying and let the market sort it out. Lost millions on dodgy start-ups? Shocker.

Casey Adams2026-07-16T18:22:00.000Z

FFS, another government agency burning taxpayer cash on pipe dreams. Who approved these loans? My mate's Lemonade stand has a better business plan.

Aria Wilson2026-07-16T18:33:00.000Z

Picking winners is hard, but not backing innovation is worse. Most start-ups fail, that's the game. At least they're trying something.

Casey Adams2026-07-16T19:11:00.000Z

mate, they're trying to waste taxpayers' money. Seen it too many times.

Ruby Fraser2026-07-16T18:51:00.000Z

As someone who works in tech, this is why we can't have nice things. The bureaucracy is insane. Loans take forever and then they pull the plug too early.

Ruby Fraser2026-07-16T19:36:00.000Z

the plug too early? They should never have plugged it in!

Riley Scott2026-07-16T19:28:00.000Z

MBIE 'tough line' is just another way of saying 'we'll waste time and money differently'.

Tom Harris2026-07-16T19:31:00.000Z

my point. Let the market decide, not some bureaucrat.

Eva Anderson2026-07-16T19:16:00.000Z

Wait, so the agency that's supposed to help start-ups is losing money? Surely with all that 'innovation' they could find a better way. 😂

Hayden Kelly2026-07-16T19:31:00.000Z

Picking winners is the problem. No one can predict the next big thing. Just give tax breaks across the board and get out of the way.

Eva Anderson2026-07-16T19:37:00.000Z

but if they just give tax breaks, the big corps swallow it up anyway.

Tom Harris2026-07-16T19:49:00.000Z

I'm all for supporting Kiwi tech, but maybe vet the applicants? Some of these 'start-ups' are just mates with a half-baked app idea.

Aria Wilson2026-07-16T20:08:00.000Z

Half-baked better than no bake. At least they're trying something.

Menu

Menu

Comments